t, as if suddenly aroused by some
pressing engagement.

"Come," he ordered, "let's get back. It's time for the Review to
begin. The scouts will be getting impatient."

It took them but a few minutes to return to the grand-stand where
Parson Dan was waiting to receive them. He and the Governor were old
friends, and hearty was the greeting between the two. Then the call
was sounded, summoning the scouts. Soon they were lined up according
to troops before the stand, where the officials were already seated,
with the clergyman by their side. They invited Captain Josh to a seat
on the platform, but he refused, saying that he preferred to remain
with his boys.

After the band had played a couple of inspiring national airs, the
speeches began. They were not long, but full of interest, dealing with
the scout movement. The Senator spoke first, and was followed by the
Judge. Parson Dan was asked to say a few words, but he declined,
saying that the boys wanted to hear the Governor, and not a prosy old
parson.

When the Governor at last arose, he was greeted with great cheers. All
the people had crowded as close as possible, so as not to miss a word
of the address of the prominent man who had come into their midst.
Near the platform stood Anna Royanna. The speeches mattered very
little to her, for it was Rod's face she was watching. She noted the
eager interested look in his eyes, and his erect bearing as he stood at
attention at the head of his patrol. How few the Hillcrest scouts were
compared with the others, and a slight smile lightened the woman's face
as she thought of the surprise which perhaps was in store for them.

The Governor at first complimented the scouts upon their neat smart
appearance, and what an excellent thing the movement was. He then
referred to the prize which had been offered a year before, and that
the time had at last arrived when it was to be awarded. At these words
the assembled troops stood straighter than ever, eager and intense to
hear the name of the successful troop.

"I have the list before me," the Governor continued, as he arranged his
eye-glasses, "and I consider it a very creditable one indeed, showing
most plainly how active the scouts have been. The committee has gone
most carefully over the reports received, and has examined the
bank-books accompanying them. I wish that I had time to read to you
the many and ingenious ways in which the different troops have raised
th